Sunday, September 27, 2009

If you only have time to watch one video - please watch this one. I think it wraps up the whole trip very well. However the entire adventure was amazing so if have time please start at The Shakedown trip at the bottom of this page and continue from there. Remember, you will need to read the blog in reverse (each page bottom up) - and you can use the links on the side to get to a particular month if you want to stop and resume later.

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

My sister Evelyn had a very nice reception for me upon my arrival at her home in Edmonds, WA and in the midst of the celebration, I noticed these posters hanging on her deck. They were prepared by my sister Sharon in South Dakota so that the whole South Dakota gang could help celebrate a very special moment in my life. Sharon had a special party in my honor so these pictures could be taken and thanks to this group effort, I felt as though my whole family was there with me when I completed my adventure. Along with these great posters was a donation collected so that I might enjoy my stay in the Seattle area. Isn't my family great?!!

Friday, July 31, 2009

Week 14 of my bicycle trip proved to have the most incredible scenery I could imagine. The decent out of Washington Pass on Hwy. 20 was unbelievable but pictures and video just don't quite compare. I experienced mixed emotions as Larry and I rolled into my sisters place where they had a very nice reception for me with dinner, drinks and friends. It was a fantastic way to conclude an experience of a lifetime.

In all the excitement of the end of my adventure and a rush to get a "wrap up" type video posted, I forgot to post pictures from the last week of my trip. Now it is February 2nd 2010 and I'm finally getting around to posting these forgotten scenes. Riding through the Cascades was some of the most incredible scenery I have ever experienced. Many of the amazing visual moments from this week, and from the entire trip, were captured only by my eyes - I wish I could share them all. I hope you have enjoyed the few that I did capture with my cameras like these from the final week.

Visiting my sister Evelyn who lives in the Seattle area was a really great excuse to ride across the USA from corner to corner. Evelyn is the oldest of 5 sisters and we are close in age so as children we always hung out together. Even though we moved as far apart as we could without leaving the continental United States, we have still remained very close through the years.

Evelyn and Jeff have had a very difficult past two years. Both parents on Jeff’s side recently passed after long battles with cancer. His mother passed a little over a year ago and his father passed just one day before I arrived. Jeff and Evelyn provided intensive care all the way through his Mother Pennie's illness and after she passed his father Jim, who was recently diagnosed himself moved in with them. During the last part of his illness he required intensive care that Evelyn and Jeff again provided without question, and Jim was truly grateful.

My family is fantastic and Evelyn and Jeff are just 2 more examples of “good apples” that just happened to fall a bit farther from the tree. Not so far that I couldn’t visit by bicycle though.

For those not following on Twitter, here are the last month's updates. Read bottom-up to get proper sequence.

Hills, heat & heavy traffic as I rode the last 68 miles to my sister's place in Edmonds, WA. I MADE IT!!!!8:20 PM Jul 28th from txtNew video posted on blog bikedenbec.blogsspot.com9:01 PM Jul 27th from txtRode 44 mi to planned dest. Sedro-Woolley, WA which is over 50 mi North of my sisters house. Oops! LOL Nice hot weather. Camping.7:38 PM Jul 27th from txtThankful for perfect weather to cross my last big mtn pass and into the most beautiful scenery you can imagine. Camping Marblemount, WA 80 m9:24 PM Jul 26th from txtWeather cleared as I crossed 2nd of 4 Mtn passes then got up to 97 then threatening clouds but not much rain. Camping in Okanogan, WA 74 mi8:31 PM Jul 24th from txt20 miles slowly up (3 hrs) to Sherman Pass then 20 miles down in 20 min - first of 4 big Mtns this week. Camping in Republic WA rain now.6:43 PM Jul 23rd from txtRebooted Odo & it is working again. Rode over small Mtn Pass & continued on for 77 mi with temps over 100. Camping Kettel Falls, WA8:59 PM Jul 22nd from txtOdometer totally not working but maps show I rode 59 mi from Sandpoint, ID to Usk Washington (woo-hoo-hoo!). Nice warm (hot?) day & scenic.9:07 PM Jul 21st from txtNew videos posted on blog bikedenbec.blogspot.com1:12 PM Jul 20th from txtRode 25 mi to Sandpoint, ID & got to see Harry Potter movie. Staying with warmshowers host & taking a rest day tomorrow.9:46 PM Jul 19th from txtI am in Pacific time zone now. Daily updates may be slightly later.9:02 PM Jul 18th from txtFound I can sleep through party animals just not wild animals. Nice day nearly 100 deg. Rode 85 miles to Clark Fork, Idaho (woo-hoo!) campin9:00 PM Jul 18th from txtAfter no sleep last night (bear activity) I stopped a bit early in Plains, MT 50mi. Camping free at fairgrounds w/shower & elec. :)6:38 PM Jul 17th from txtStopped @ Adventure Cycling in Missoula for pic & free icecream then rode on to Superior, MT in nice warm 90s. 72 miles camping9:00 PM Jul 16th from txtPassed 4000 mi. on way to Missoula. MT. camping just south in Lolo as it is cheaper. Nice warm day. 54 mi. Harry Potter will have to wait.7:42 PM Jul 15th from txtAfter rain delay yesterday, left Jackson Hot Springs, over pass & out of Big Hole Valley then on to warmer Darby, MT. Camping 75 mi.8:35 PM Jul 14th from txt7/12 climbed over 2 mountain passes & into Jackson, MT camping $10 w/use of hot springs. New Timers Fest & free food!!! 51m - no cell srv.5:43 PM Jul 14th from txtStrong storms and big wind continue from yesterday afternoon. Was planning a rest day in Missoula but decided to take it here in Jackson, MT6:38 PM Jul 13th from webNo cell srv. here in Jackson, MT - today's message will be delayed until I get into service area. Camping behind hot spring lodge free food!6:05 PM Jul 12th from webVery nice day for planned short ride to Dillon, MT & camping. Meeting a lot of other bikers. Tomorrow up again with cell srv not likley. 28m3:53 PM Jul 11th from txt

New videos posted on blog - bikedenbec.blogspot.com10:26 AM Jul 11th from txtNice warmer day - climbed to over 7000 ft then down and continued to Twin Bridges, MT. Camping in free camp for bicyclists 56 miles7:09 PM Jul 10th from txtMorning temps in 30s last 3 days & storms with hail I managed to avoid. Rode 74 miles to Cameron, Montanna (woo-hoo!). Camping8:50 PM Jul 9th from txt7/8 expected to leave park today but bad weather didn't allow. 28 miles in strong gusty wind. Camping at Madison in Yellowstone. No cell srv12:41 PM Jul 9th from txtA good climb to 8400 ft & a long day of dodging RVs but very scenic. Camping in Yellowstone at Canyon Village. 44miles8:03 PM Jul 7th from txtRode 50 m to east ent. of Yellowstone - 27 m uphil to next campground, camping not allowed (bears), staying in cabin out of budget see blog9:11 PM Jul 6th from webGreat weather for 59 miles of very desolate plains between Greybull & Cody, WY camping at nice campground in Cody.6:25 PM Jul 5th from txtNew weekly video posted on blog bikedenbec.blogspot.com10:31 AM Jul 5th from txtLeft the top of Big Horn Mtns. & 20 mi down in a much nicer day. Continued on to Greybull, WY where I'll enjoy the rest of the 4th. 46 mi.6:25 PM Jul 4th from txt20 mi up & then 2 mi down in cold pouring rain & thunder before I stopped at a church camp that welcome me in - still raining - staying here6:45 PM Jul 3rd from webMix bag of weather today but not terrible. Rode 62 mi & camping at foot of Bighorn Mountains in Dayton, WY. Tomorrow . . . . Up6:59 PM Jul 2nd from txtSprinkles as I left the comfortable home of Doris & Buzz then good riding weather for 71 desolate miles to Clearmont, WY. Camping city park6:09 PM Jul 1st from txt

Monday, July 27, 2009

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Remember the story of the day I nearly fell victim to hypothermia crossing the Big Horn Mountains? If you recall, a total stranger named David pulled his van over and took pictures of me as I battled the elements – a scene I could never capture myself. He sent the pictures this week via email and I think they really tell the tale. Also pictured are his two daughters who were with him – the youngest of which had blue lips that day too. Hers were from eating a popsicle while mine were from turning into one.

Let me introduce my Spokes to Paula Lund. I met Paula on Warmshowers.org, but I suspect if I hadn’t contacted her first, she would have chased me down and offered a place to stay as she does so many other bicycle tourists. I really enjoyed my stay with Paula and her pets (kids were at Yellowstone with Dad), she was a very gracious host and a fun person too. Who else would have me out on the side of a mountain way past sunset picking huckleberries for the first time in my life? Mother Nature shines on Paula’s yard with food of all kinds growing in her garden and orchard. I enjoyed picking raspberries and cherries and grazing on snow peas and other delights. Circumstances allowed me only hours notice before my arrival – yet I felt like I had known Paula for years. I suspect I will keep in touch with her long after my trip is completed and I’m sure Paula’s adventurous personality will bring her to my home in South Florida one day soon.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

OK Spokes - get your mind out of the gutter, this is a family show. :)

I spent this week riding along the west edge of Montana. I left Dillon, MT and climbed into the "Big Hole" which is a circular flat valley high up and surrounded by mountains. The scenery was incredible but the weather was not perfect. I ended up spending an unplanned rest day in Jackson, Hot Springs which isn't a bad place to spend some time. Then, as I climbed back out of the Big Hole, I crossed the Continental Divide which means I should be half way there - right? And that it's all downhill now - right?? Well, false on both counts but not in a bad way. Here is this weeks review.

As I rode out of the Big Hole, I recorded 20 minutes of downhill that I am posting basically unedited. There is no music with it so it may not be terribly exciting, but it was fun and I hope you might enjoy riding with me. It is posted in 2 parts.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Despite a few periods of unpleasant weather including hail storms and some morning temps in the 30s (brrrrr!!!), western Wyoming and the first part of Montana turned out to be amazing. There was so much scenery I made two videos. The second one has a bit of Montana video and then the pictures of the week. It was amazing.

Here is video #1

Don't miss video #2

Bonus! another unedited video of a traumatic trip through a narrow tunnel I wasn't expecting outside Cody, WY. When I saw the tunnel approaching I quickly mounted the "Larry Cam" and I didn't do too good of a job. The camera is mostly showing the ceiling of the tunnel but I wanted to post it anyway for my my own memories. It may not be dramatic to you but I was shaking when I got out - there was no shoulder, it was dark - despite the lights - and I was worried one of those huge bus type campers was going to go through at the same time. It was also slightly uphill. I made it through and I was thankful.

Monday, July 06, 2009

I left Cody, WY this morning hoping to make it well into Yellowstone Park but I ended up in several short storms - one of which had small hail enough to make the ground white. Around 5:30m I stopped at Pahaska Tepee resort, just outside the east entrance of Yellowstone for a bite to eat. I asked how far the first campground was inside the park and was informed it was 27 miles - uphill - against the wind - in questionable weather. So I asked how much it would cost to tent camp for the night and was informed it was not allowed by State Park rules because of grizzly bears. So I had little choice but to spend $127 for a cute little cabin (but without a TV). That is at least 6 nights worth of camping fees. Eeeek! On the bright side, it is a very scenic area and I even got to see a moose cow and 2 calves drinking by the stream. I'll post pictures in the weekly update. Several folks who also ended up here said all the motels in Yellowstone were booked and were over $400 a night - I guess I should count my blessings. But I do think tent camping is allowed in the park - I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

Friday, July 03, 2009

I started my journey over the Big Horn Mountains today full of anticipation and curiosity if I could even do it. It was a (very) slow but steady 20 miles up into the shrouded mountain top and I was doing pretty well (I thought) even as the chill started to set in. Then came the rain. At first it wasn't too bad and I put on my rain gear and warm clothes and continued up the road. As I passed a van pulled over in the fog I noticed the driver leaning out taking pictures. He stopped me and said he was a biker as well and knew it would be hard to get a picture of myself climbing a mountain so he took down my email address and said he will send me some (I'll post them if he does). David was driving with his two young daughters and he invited me into the van to warm up for a bit - a welcome invitation I could not refuse. We had a nice chat for a while before I had to continue my assent, the peak of which he said wasn't far.

No sooner had I started the down side of the mountain when the real rain started along with some lightning and thunder - plus it was very cold. It wasn't long before I was soaked through and chilled to the bone. I didn't get but a couple miles down before I realized I needed to stop or I could be facing a dangerous situation. Just then I saw the sign for Camp Bethel. I rode in as a pickup truck followed me in - it was a gentleman who worked there (Mark Boyles) who said I could warm up in the dining hall. There I met the manager of the camp who also offered me a hot shower while I waited out the storm. I didn't realize how cold I actually was until I tried to determine the temperature of the shower and couldn't tell how warm it actually was. Feeling much better after the shower, I waited some more for the storm to pass while I fixed myself a sandwich from my soaked gear. But the storm didn't let up and I was offered to stay the night - another offer I couldn't refuse. I was also invited to join the small crew (the camp itself was not in session this week) for a birthday dinner for one of the employees. After a nice meal the manager and his wife & kids (Matt & Sheri Tremain, Braxton, & Savannah in the picture above) invited me for a drive to look for moose. We drove for quite a scenic while before we did see several moose and also deer, elk and antelope. They had binoculars so the view was fantastic.

I was offered to sleep anywhere - even an empty cabin (which were very cool) but I decided to stay in the dining room as all my gear was spread out to dry. I can assure you I will sleep much better here than I would have in a wet tent at 40 degrees. Oh, and even though there is no cell service in this area, they do have wi-fi!

I also wanted to thank Colleen at Rochport, SD who offered me a free place to camp next to her store last week when strong storms were predicted.

I am so thankful for all these fine folks for helping out a stranger on a bicycle in a time of need. I feel very blessed.

I met Fred and Sherry through the Warmshowers.org website. They are avid cyclists and have done many tours across the country. They were fantastic hosts with a great Mexican dinner, margaritas (yum!) a nice place to rest my head and route advice. They had already hosted two other groups of bicyclists that week but I was still treated like family. I really enjoyed meeting these two new friends! Of course they always have a place to rest in Ft. Lauderdale too!

It was great to see a high school friend of mine while passing through Spearfish, SD. Billie Jo, her husband Todd (already at work), son Jacksyn and daughter Janesa (out of town at EMT camp) gave me a great spaghetti dinner, laundry, shopping, a comfy bed (thanks Janesa!) and sent me off the next day with a big breakfast that got me well into Wyoming.

Monday, June 29, 2009

I grew up in South Dakota and have visited the Black Hills several times before, but I've never seen South Dakota look so wonderful. Perhaps it's because they have finally had abundant rainfall this year - or maybe it is because I've never seen it before by bicycle. It was probably both. I took a lot of media this week so I broke down some of the video footage in one video and put the pictures in another one. What a fantastic week!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

I mean no disrespect to the rest of my family by singling out these two - but I'd bet the rest of my family would agree that my sister Sharon and her husband Ron are "Salt of the Earth" type people.

I wanted to take a moment in my blog to recognize these two for all the things they do - not only for our family but for all those around them. Many times in past years, Ron has gone out of his way to drive hundreds of miles to pick me up after canceled flights or other issues. There is never a complaint or even a second thought - he just drops everything and helps. Sharon is the same way. My favorite part of a trip to South Dakota, besides seeing Mom, is staying at their home. If you look up the word "hospitality" in the dictionary - their picture should be there. You will always leave their beautifuf home well rested, well fed and properly "watered" (ie beer!).

If a family emergency presents itself, Ron and Sharon are there. When Mom fell and broke her leg last month and Medicare said she couldn't stay in recovery, nobody had to ask if she could stay with Ron and Sharon. They retrofitted their entire house to make it possible for Mom to get around in a wheel chair. And they see to it that she is well cared for and that the bills are correct and questions answered from the Doctor's office.

For me personally, not only do they let me stay with them, take me to the airport at the crack of dawn, provide fantastic meals, let me borrow their car when I need to drive to my home town, pay for things even when I protest, and now even support my bicycle adventure with a generous donation, they do all this without question and without expecting anything in return.

It is rare to find people of this caliber - and I am so happy and proud that they are my family.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

After nearly 3000 miles riding with Larry the Long Haul Trucker, I thought I might give a quick review of the bike for those who might be considering buying one for themselves. It might not be too exciting for some of my Spokes.

I started week 8 back in Lincoln, NE on Sunday June 14th where I began my trek across the Great Plains of Nebraska and South Dakota. I had a new goal of getting back to South Dakota by Thursday so my sister Sharon and her husband could take a planned trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota while I would stay with Mom for the weekend. The winds and weather were favorable (except for a few storms at night) and I was able to make it to Vivian, SD (30 miles south of Ft. Pierre) where my brother in law Ron picked me up. On Wednesday I passed through Winner, SD and got to visit a high school friend Cara and we had a nice breakfast together. Last week while I was in Pierre, I also got to see another good friend Laurel from college. We spent a nice afternoon together catching up on former classmates.

I didn't take a whole lot of pictures and videos this week because ...... well.... it all looks a bit the same in the Great Plains. Still it is beautiful country and I enjoyed my ride.

Thankfully, my sister Karen was able to get out of the shift she was scheduled for on Friday and we were able to stay in South Dakota for Mom's Birthday on June 12th. We had a party for her with all her children and other friends of the family. It was a nice day that concluded with a campfire in the fire pit. The next day Karen and I drove back to Lincoln, NE with her two daughters and I continued my trek across the Great Plains on Sunday.

Monday, June 08, 2009

I was very pleased to arrive in Lincoln, NE in time to catch a ride with my sister Karen to South Dakota for our family reunion. To say the weather up this way can be fickle would be an understatement, so I pushed myself to get there as soon as possible and arrived on the afternoon of Monday June 1st - just 2 days before she would have had to leave. This left me time to take Larry into the shop to get some badly needed new tires. They didn't have the ones I needed in stock and it would take a week to order them so our trip to South Dakota leaves just enough time to complete that task. The road trip in a motorized vehicle also gives me a chance to scope out some of the roads I'll be riding on when the trip resumes which will help me plan my route through this area much better. I've been following the Adventure Cycling Assoc. maps up to this time but I'm on my own through Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. I'm asking lots of questions from the locals and the good folks on the Adventure Cycling Forums.

I wasn't expecting too much from the reunion because our family on my Mother's side hasn't been together, outside too many funerals, for over 20 years. But the local cousins did an incredible job of organizing, preparing and putting on a fantastic day. We had around 150 people there with lots of good food and entertainment including a wonderful picture slide show with over 500 pictures from the past that ran throughout the day. Mom is from a family of 10 children and our extended family has grown a lot through the years. We took time for each family to update us on which sibling they belonged to and what they are doing in their lives. I'm usually taking lots of pictures during these type of events but since I saw many flash bulbs going off, I decided to just sit back and absorb all the information which I very much enjoyed. I'll collect pictures via Internet when I get back home. Mom has improved a lot but still can't put any weight on her leg so she was unable to attend the reunion, but thanks to the picture slide show that my cousin Dianne put on DVD for me, I was able to show her all the pictures when I got back to Pierre. She very much enjoyed seeing them! The reunion took place in Mobridge, SD by the way.

I had planned my bicycle adventure long before the reunion plans were made and was so happy that the timing worked out so that I could attend. I didn't think too many people in my family knew about my trip and so I was a little surprised to learn that a lot of them had been following my blog and twitter updates along the way. I have to admit that I was a little uncomfortable being such a topic of conversation at a large event, but at the same time I was so happy to have the love and support of such a great family. I even received a lot of generous donations that will help me very much as I continue my tour later this week. I want to say 2 very important "Thank You!" messages. One for everyone in my family who are supporting my trip with donations, prayers, and good wishes. And a second one for the local cousins who made such a wonderful day that I will remember forever. I truly do have a fantastic family!!

As I write this it is Monday, June 8th and I have been resting for a week and even gained a few lost pounds back. With a little luck my sister will be able to get out of work on Friday and we will be able to stay here in Pierre, SD for my Mother's Birthday on the 12th. Then we will drive back to Lincoln, NE on Saturday and Larry and I will begin our trek across the great plains on Sunday, June 14th. I'm thrilled to have had this time to spend with family and also to help give my sister Sharon and Ann (both Angels in my opinion) some time to rest from Mom's care, but I am ready and anxious to resume my trek across the USA. However, as I mentioned early in this post, the weather up this way can be fickle and if ever there was a week or two to not be riding - this was it! We have had gloomy rainy and cold and stormy weather since I arrived in the area. It would have been miserable if not impossible to ride this last week so it was a good time to visit and rest.

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Despite some gloomy and rainy weather during week 5, I very much enjoyed my trip across central Missouri. At the end of the week I also spent a day in Kansas and arrived at my sister's place near Lincoln, NE. As I write this I am at my sister Sharon's in Pierre, SD (transported by a motorized vehicle) and will hopefully resume my trip from Lincoln, NE on Thursday of next week.

Gracious hosts Rodney and Gerry sent me off from the St. Louis area on the Katy Trail

Scenery along the Katy TrailMissouri State Capital in Jefferson City

Charming Herman, MOWeston, MOInteresting house along the road

Wolf River Bob - A life long adventurist and resident of White Cloud, KS. He showed me many historic pictures and a guest book signed by hundreds of bicycle tourists from as far back as 1984 who camped for free in the White Cloud City Park. We also spent some time driving around what would appear to be a simple little town on the decline. Through Bob's memories and hopes of reviving a historic treasure, I got a whole new view of White Cloud. Some day I believe one of those bicycle tourists who spent time in White Cloud will return to help restore the town to its former glory.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

I started week 4 just having entered Tennessee and throughout the week I also peddled through parts of Kentucky, Illinois and finally entering Missouri on Saturday afternoon. Most of the roads did not have “Welcome to” signs but I did get a few by looking back as I entered the next state. I still didn’t get a good one for Kentucky or Missouri, which is surprising as I may have illegally rode over the I-255 bridge from Illinois into Missouri and you would think they would have had a sign on that major road. But, rest assured I am in Missouri as I write this.

I had a lot of video footage this week so I decided to put the pictures directly into the blog instead of including them in the video review. I think it might actually be better that way. Once again there were a lot of wonderful things to see so I’ll just post some of my favorites.

It looks like I may not make it all the way to Pierre, SD in time for my family reunion on June 6th, but I should be able to get to Lincoln, NE where my sister Karen lives and ride to the reunion with her and her girls. Then I’ll ride back to NE and continue my journey from there. I still plan to spend some time in South Dakota visiting family and helping take care of Mom for a while, who is doing better by the way. She is currently out of the hospital and staying with my sister Sharon during her recovery. My sister Ann is also close by and continues to help as well.

I apologize for the delay on these videos but they require electricity and wi-fi to produce and post which have been lacking in the campgrounds. I’ll always post them at my first opportunity. And now here is week 4 in review.

Nice spot where me and the other bikers had a picnic lunch. A camel in Tennessee? Maybe they use it for those cigarette ads. A chilly day in Tennessee. I rode state road 69 in three different states.

Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area

A rest stop in LBL Rec Area

Unusual amount of cemetaries at LBL Rec Area

Amazing sunset at Horseshoe Lake, IL

Chester, IL - home of Popeye!Campground just north of Chester, IL Quaint church at Nunert, IL I wonder if they had wi-fi?